A Chicago law firm was struggling with connectivity issues between their three satellite locations. Because of this, productivity and efficiency were suffering, which had them considering a new approach to technology. After a few conversations on how to best help them, we ultimately migrated them to the cloud with some pretty amazing results.

Here are 3 ways we transformed this Chicago law firm’s relationship with technology.

Unified servers meant less downtime

When we initially met the client, they had individual servers at each of their remote locations. Because of the way these servers connected, anytime one server went offline it took all three locations offline.

By migrating their data and mission-critical programs into the cloud and off the individual onsite servers, we were able to increase connectivity between locations while reducing downtime to almost nothing. Now, even if their internet service went down at one or all three locations, they could continue working and accessing their data and programs offsite.

This allowed the locations to operate independently while also allowing them better access to the firm’s data independent of technology issues at any one site.

Because their cloud servers run side by side, the migration virtually eliminated lag time on document access and program performance.

The net result of this was an added yearly efficiency gain of 50 hours per person per year.One of the firm’s partner’s referred to it as “100% uptime.”

The best part? This lowered their billable hours, allowing them to pass on savings to their clients.

Cloud computing lowered their IT budget

The firm also suffered from a common problem that plagues businesses with onsite servers. A combination of poor configuration and outdated equipment meant servers and other equipment needed to be replaced. Such replacements would have required heavy upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX).

This alone would have cost the firm tens of thousands of dollars up front. But the expense wouldn’t have stopped there. They would still need to oversee and maintain these servers themselves and keep up with software licensing and updates in-house. Given that they only had one in-house IT resource, this could have required hiring additional IT staff or otherwise taken time from their staffer’s already vital duties.

By migrating to the cloud the firm avoided large upfront CAPEX expenditures. Instead, they shifted to a recurring operational expenditure model (OPEX) and reduced the internal resources required to deal with maintaining onsite equipment. They still kept their IT guy, but he was able to focus on other day-to-day issues rather than maintaining a larger in-house infrastructure.

In the process, they gained scalability that fit their IT needs into the right size box on an ongoing basis. Now whether they’re growing or shrinking, they have the ability to access the right amount of storage, bandwidth and services for their current needs.

Cloud mobility helped them work smarter

Attorneys work from courtrooms and hallways, restaurants and conference rooms. Which becomes difficult when sensitive files and mission-critical data are trapped on servers inside their office.

Migrating the firm’s data and programs to the cloud gave them access to their files and programs from anywhere that has an internet connection.

This transformed the way the firm handles its caseloads by providing its attorneys with collaborative tools and seamless connectivity.

Share this entry

https://www.3points.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/shutterstock_222579625.jpg2667023Points/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/3-Points-logo.png3Points2018-04-26 15:02:122018-04-10 16:03:233 ways we transformed a Chicago law firm with technology